ratzinger, the real name of cardinal of pope benedict xvi. we're all here waiting to see whether the pope appears on the balco balcony, but also to see how that meeting goes. >> i did appreciate that one of the first things the pope did upon being elected was offer prayers for benedict. so clearly they must have a very good relationship. claudio, thank you so much. >>> in about an hour, president obama will be leaving jordan. he's bound for washington. earlier today the president toured the ancient city of petra. that is jordan's famed archaeological site. it is enclosed by towering sandstone cliffs and dates back to prehistoric times. joining me now for more on president obama's middle east trip in tel aviv, nbc's correspondent martin fletcher, and from washington, p.j. crowley, former assistant secretary of state for public affairs and a fellow at the george washington institute for public diplomacy and global communication. that's one long title, p.j. >> it is alex. >> a good day to both of you. martin, the president's first official trip